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Background Visual opsins are expressed in the compound eyes and ocelli of insects and enable light detection. Three distinct phylogenetic groups of visual opsins are found in insects, named long (LW), short (SW) and ultraviolet (UV) wavelength sensitive opsins. Recently, the LW group was found to be duplicated into the LW2b and the LW2a opsins. The expression of LW2b opsins is ocelli specific in some insects (e.g., bees, cricket, scorpion flies), but the gene was not found in other orders possessing three or less ocelli (e.g., dragonflies, beetles, moths, bugs). In flies, two LW2b homologs have been characterised, with one expressed in the ocelli and the other in the compound eyes. To date, it remains unclear which evolutionary forces have driven gains and losses of LW opsins in insects. Here we take advantage of the recent rapid increase in available sequence data (i.e., from insect genomes, targeted PCR amplification, RNAseq) to characterize the phylogenetic relationships of 1000 opsin sequences in 18 orders of Insects. The resulting phylogeny discriminates between four main groups of opsins, and onto this phylogeny we mapped relevant morphological and life history traits. Results Our results demonstrate a conserved LW2b opsin only present in insects with three ocelli. Only two groups (Brachycera and Odonata) possess more than one LW2b opsin, likely linked to their life history. In flies, we hypothesize that the duplication of the LW2b opsin occurred after the transition from aquatic to terrestrial larvae. During this transition, higher flies (Brachycera) lost a copy of the LW2a opsin, still expressed and duplicated in the compound eyes of lower flies (Nematocera). In higher flies, the LW2b opsin has been duplicated and expressed in the compound eyes while the ocelli and the LW2b opsin were lost in lower flies. In dragonflies, specialisation of flight capabilities likely drove the diversification of the LW2b visual opsins. Conclusion The presence of the LW2b opsin in insects possessing three ocelli suggests a role in specific flight capabilities (e.g., stationary flight). This study provides the most complete view of the evolution of visual opsin genes in insects yet, and provides new insight into the influence of ocelli and life history traits on opsin evolution in insects.

Although collections of odonate insects have increased in recent years in Colombia, it is unknown whether the inventory list is complete for this country. Thus, we have investigated whether odonate species richness for Colombian endemic and total species by department and natural region, are complete using sample- and coverage-based rarefaction curves. This analysis indicated rarefaction curve values of completeness of 99% for the whole country, 87% all departments, 73% for region, and 99% for endemic patterns. Collections are scarce for Arauca, Casanare, Guaviare, Vichada, Narino, Guajira, Norte de Santander, San Andres, Sucre and Vaupes departments. Conversely, the departments with more collections were Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Magdalena and Meta. Regionally, odonates have been more collected in the Andes and Orinoquia, followed by the Caribbean and Pacific. We encourage odonate sampling especially in protected areas and poorly sampled localities. This sampling should be accompanied by habitat management and conservation plans.

Limestone quarries are known to be places where the diversity of xerothermophilic organisms is promoting diversity and in some, there are water bodies that potentially support the presence of hydrobionts. These include dragonflies (Insecta: Odonata), which, as amphibiotic insects, use both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The purpose of this paper was to determine whether there was a high diversity of odonatofauna in an old limestone quarry with well-developed aquatic habitats, located in an urban environment in the Central-European city of Krakow (S Poland). For this purpose, dragonflies in the quarry were monitored regularly, focusing on the reproductive status and relative abundance of each species. In 2017–2018, 37 species belonging to seven families of Odonata were recorded in the quarry, which is 50% of the Poland’s odonatofauna. Of these, 33 species were considered indigenous to the quarry. Among them, 30% were moderately urbanophobic or urbanophobic taxa. Habitat specialists made up 39% of the species. Some rare and declining species, i.e. Leucorrhinia pectoralis and L. rubicunda, were abundant at this site. The study shows that a well-preserved secondary habitat, located in the centre of a city and not subject to urban management, can support a high diversity of odonates. Such limestone quarries in highly transformed urban environments can be valuable sites for this indicator group of organisms and should be identified, evaluated and conserved.

Urbanisation is increasing globally, degrading terrestrial and freshwater habitats and reducing faunal and floral richness. Whilst the potential for garden ponds to serve as important biodiversity resources in urban areas has been documented in a limited number of studies, quantifying the contribution of garden ponds to urban freshwater diversity has been largely neglected. This study aims to quantify the taxonomic richness, community composition and conservation value of aquatic macroinvertebrates in domestic garden and non-urban ponds. Taxonomic richness was significantly lower in garden ponds than non-urban ponds at an alpha and gamma scale. A greater richness of Odonata, Coleoptera, Gastropoda and Hemiptera were recorded in non-urban ponds. Garden ponds were found to support compositionally different macroinvertebrate communities compared to non-urban ponds, influenced by variation in water depth and conductivity. A total of 23 taxa were recorded from garden ponds only. Non-urban ponds had a significantly higher conservation value compared to garden ponds (87% of garden ponds were of low or moderate conservation value, while only 35% of non-urban ponds were in these categories). Although urban garden ponds currently support limited macroinvertebrate diversity and have lower conservation value, they contribute to the regional species pool and their potential to limit future urban biodiversity loss is significant. Given their high abundance and popularity within the urban landscape, clear guidance is required for pond-owners on how to best manage garden ponds to support and sustain biodiversity. For this to be achieved, research is required to increase fundamental understanding of urban pond ecology, and the development of evidence led garden pond management practices.

Odonates are important biological control agents for the control of insect pests and insect disease vectors of medical and veterinary importance. The present study was conducted to evaluate the odonate fauna of Swat, Pakistan from March to October 2019. A total of 200 specimens of odonates were collected from diverse habitats. The collected specimens of the order Odonata belonged to 5 families, three families of suborder Anisoptera namely Libellulidae, Gomphidae and Aeshnidae while two families of suborder Zygoptera (Chlorocyphidae and Coenagrionidae). The specimens were categorized into 12 genera and 22 species. Libellulidae was the dominant family (n = 138) accounting for 69% of the odonate fauna. Orthetrum was the dominant genus (n = 73) of suborder Anisoptera accounting for 36.5% of the odonate fauna. The least dominant genera were Anax, Paragomphus and Rhyothemis (n = 5 each) accounting each for 2.5% of the odonate fauna. In Zygoptera, the dominant genus was Ceriagrion (12.5%) and the least dominant genus was Ischnura (6%). Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) was the most abundant odonate species in the study area recorded from all surveyed habitats. Shannon Diversity Index (H) was 2.988 and Simpson Diversity Index (D) was 0.95 for the collected odonate fauna. The highest abundance of Odonata was recorded in August, September and May while no odonate species were recorded in January, February, November and December. Lotic water bodies were the most suitable habitats with abundant odonate fauna. Anax immaculifrons (Rambur, 1842) was the largest sized odonate species having a wingspan of 53.2±1.63 mm and body length of 56.3 ± 0.4 mm. The present study shows the status of odonate fauna of Swat, Pakistan in diverse habitats and seasonsonal variation throughout the year. Further work is recommended to bridge the gaps in the existing literature. Resumo Odonatos são importantes agentes de controle biológico para o controle de insetos-praga e vetores de doenças de insetos de importância médica e veterinária. O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a fauna de odonatos de Swat, Paquistão, de março a outubro de 2019. Um total de 200 espécimes de odonatos foi coletado em diversos habitats. Os espécimes coletados da ordem Odonata pertenciam a cinco famílias, três famílias da subordem Anisoptera, a saber, Libellulidae, Gomphidae e Aeshnidae, enquanto duas famílias eram da subordem Zygoptera (Chlorocyphidae e Coenagrionidae). Os espécimes foram classificados em 12 gêneros e 22 espécies. Libellulidae foi a família dominante (n = 138), respondendo por 69% da fauna de odonatos. Orthetrum foi o gênero dominante (n = 73) da subordem Anisoptera, responsável por 36,5% da fauna de odonatos. Os gêneros menos dominantes foram Anax, Paragomphus e Rhyothemis (n = 5 cada), representando cada um 2,5% da fauna de odonatos. Em Zygoptera, o gênero dominante foi Ceriagrion (12,5%), e o gênero menos dominante foi Ischnura (6%). Pantala flavescens (Fabricius, 1798) foi a espécie de odonato mais abundante na área de estudo, registrada em todos os habitats pesquisados. O Índice de Diversidade de Shannon (H) foi de 2,988, e o Índice de Diversidade de Simpson (D) foi de 0,95 para a fauna de odonatos coletados. A maior abundância de Odonata foi registrada em agosto, setembro e maio, enquanto nenhuma espécie de Odonata foi registrada em janeiro, fevereiro, novembro e dezembro. Corpos d’água lóticos foram os habitats mais adequados, com abundante fauna de odonatos. Anax imaculifrons (Rambur, 1842) foi a espécie de odonato de maior tamanho, com envergadura de 53,2 ± 1,63 mm e comprimento do corpo de 56,3 ± 0,4 mm. O presente estudo mostrou o status da fauna de odonatos de Swat, Paquistão, em diversos habitats e variação sazonal ao longo do ano. Recomenda-se trabalho adicional para preencher as lacunas na literatura existente.

Rice paddy fields are important habitat for many dragonfly species. In Japan, populations of dragonflies inhabiting rice paddies, in particular Sympetrum (Odonata: Libellulidae), have decreased greatly in the last few decades. A major cause of the decline has been suggested to be the use of systemic insecticides (e.g., phenylpyrazole and neonicotinoid) in nursery boxes of rice seedlings. In this study, we examined the effects of chlorantraniliprole (CAP), a novel anthranilic diamide insecticide, on adult emergence of Sympetrum dragonflies in ten rice paddy fields by counting their exuviae remaining on the rice plants as an abundance index. Our results suggest that CAP is a potential factor that reduced the emergence rate of S. infuscatum but not of S. frequens. This difference may be due to differential sensitivity to CAP, different lengths of the nymphal stage, or different effects of bottom-up controls via reduction of prey organisms that are highly sensitive to CAP.

A modified and expanded definition of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group is given. This includes the species: D. annandalei Fraser, 1924, D. brownelli Tinkham, 1938, D. carmichaeli (Laidlaw, 1915), D. emtrai Dow, Kompier & Phan, 2018, D. hongkongensis Wilson, 1997, D. jurzitzai Hämäläinen, 1999, D. sumatrana Sasamoto & Karube, 2007, D. tenella Lieftinck, 1935, D. vietnamica Asahina, 1997 and D. wildermuthi sp. nov.). The species of the group are reviewed and in most cases illustrated, diagnostic notes are given wherever possible. Drepanosticta polychromatica Fraser, 1931 is considered to be a junior synonym of D. carmichaeli and variation in D. carmichaeli is discussed. Drepanosticta wildermuthi sp. nov. from the Central Highlands of Vietnam (holotype male from Bao Loc district, Lam Dong Province) is described. The female of D. jurzitzai Hämäläinen, 1999 is described for the first time. A key to the males of the Drepanosticta carmichaeli-group is provided.

Terrestrial fossils from the Palaeogene of Tibet could help us to better understand the past climate and environment in this area. We herein report a new late Eocene non-marine fossil site from southern Nima Basin, central Tibet, SW China, including abundant insects and fishes. These fossils are similar to those from the late Eocene (∼39.5–37 Ma) Lunpola–Nima sediment depo-centres in sharing the dominating aquatic bug Aquarius lunpolaensis and cyprinid fishes. Chalcolestes tibetensis sp. nov., the oldest representative of the modern family Lestidae, is described. Lestidae were previously only recorded in Western Europe, and the oldest records were from the uppermost Eocene of France and the UK. The present discovery demonstrates that Lestidae already had a broad distribution during the Eocene and probably originated much earlier. The recent representatives of Chalcolestes occur in the low-altitude ponds or lakes of Western Palaearctic. Together with the other freshwater fossils in this site, this new discovery indicates a humid climate and low altitude for the Nima Basin and nearby basins in the middle part of the Bangong Nujiang suture zone.

Somatochlora arctica is an endangered dragonfly with populations characterized by low density and scattered distribution. The presence of the species in the Varese Province, recorded during the specific monitoring operations for Nehalennia speciosa, is reported for the first time. The observation of an oviposing female was carried out in a peat bog placed at 550 m a.s.l., the lowest altitude for the species in Italy and one of the most unusual for the Mediterranean Region. The peculiarities of this record are shown.

The odonate fauna of Kerala, their status and distribution are reviewed. Based on personal records from field work since 2010 and published literature, all the recent additions and range extensions to the region are critically analyzed and a revised checklist of odonates of Western Ghats and Kerala is provided. The current checklist of odonates of the Western Ghats stands at 207 species, including 80 endemics. A total of 181 species of Odonates, including 68 Western Ghats endemics, belonging to 87 genera under two suborders and 14 families were recorded from the geographical boundary of Kerala. The suborder Zygoptera comprises 74 species of damselflies (30 genera in seven families) and the suborder Anisoptera has 107 species (57 genera in seven families). Endemic species and those in IUCN Red List categories are enlisted. None of the odonate species from the region are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972. A detailed discussion on odonates occurring in Kerala has been provided in the systematic part.

The larva of Argia cuprea (Hagen, 1861) is described and figured. It falls into the group of Argia larvae with prominent ligula and one palpal seta, but it differs from its closest relatives by a combination of features such as male gonapophyses reaching posterior ventral margin of S10; dorsal and ventral margin of paraproct with long, abundant, white, delicate setae on distal 0.40; tip of paraproct 20% its total length; lateral surface of paraproct with abundant spiniform setae restricted to the triangular, yellowish-brown, slightly sclerotized area along the inflated area. It appears closely related to A. oenea Hagen in Selys, 1865 and A. orichalcea Hagen in Selys, 1865 larvae.

The absence of data related to Arthropoda classes other than the orders Lepidoptera and Odonata in Suranadi Nature Park raises the need for studies on these fauna. This study aims to analyze the soil arthropod community and its role in science lessons in primary and secondary schools. This descriptive research was carried out from May to December 2019. Samples were collected in three paths, namely the forest edge, the middle of the forest and the waterway using the pit fall trap method. The collected samples were identified to species taxon at the Biology Laboratory of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mataram University. To obtain data on species diversity, an analysis was carried out using the Shannon-Wiener equation. There are 33 species of soil arthropods found. They consist of 3 species from the order Blattodea, 2 species from the order Orthoptera, 4 species from Araneae, 11 species from the order Coleoptera, 10 species from the order Hymenoptera, 1 species each from the orders Homoptera, Tysanura and Diptera. The most abundant species is Platidema sp of the order Coleoptera. Based on the results of the analysis, the diversity index of soil Arthtopoda species in Suranadi Nature Park is 2,628. The qualitative analysis shows that there are 2 elementary and junior high school science topics that are suitable to be taught using the concept of soil arthropod diversity at Suranadi Nature Park.

Farming expansion has negative impacts on freshwater biodiversity. However, the effects of agricultural land use are not similar across taxa and depend on local context. For instance, the impacts of agricultural expansion are understudied in the Neotropics (one of the leading regions in cropland expansion). Knowledge of the effects of agricultural land use on aquatic insects from South American subtropical grasslands (Pampa) is even more incipient. We tested whether landscape modification related to increased agricultural land use was associated with taxonomic homogenization in odonate communities in waterbodies in the Brazilian Pampa. Odonates were collected in waterbodies differing in the main land-use class in their surroundings (cropland or grassland). Cropland and grassland sites differed with respect to their abiotic conditions (water chemistry) and species composition of Odonata. Additionally, we found higher variation in the composition of Odonata (and suborders Anisoptera and Zygoptera separately) in grassland than cropland sites. We found an interplay between agricultural and grassland land uses and the variation in the composition of odonate communities in the Brazilian Pampa. Specifically, landscape modification by agriculture modified the abiotic conditions in the waterbodies, which may have favored species able to establish as larvae under harsher environmental conditions. We suggest that the maintenance of mixed-grassland and cropland land uses in the fields adjacent to waterbodies can limit the negative effects of agricultural encroachment on Odonata communities with respect to biotic homogenization in the Brazilian Pampa.

Mediterranean-climate rivers are projected to warm by 0.5–4°C and river flows to decline by 34% by 2071–2100. Using data from 191 Greek streams/rivers, we projected macroinvertebrate responses to 12 climate change scenarios for 2071–2100 to identify critical hydro-thermal limits beyond which irreversible responses are triggered and to assess the potential of environmental flows to mitigate the ecological impacts of climate change. Overall, macroinvertebrate assemblages will be less diverse, represented mostly by limnophilic, warm-dwelling taxa. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and some Diptera will be replaced by Odonata, Amphipoda, Gastropoda and Heteroptera. Moderate average warming (1–1.8 °C) will not significantly affect assemblage abundance and richness but extreme warming (≥ 5 °C) will shift to limnophilic-type assemblages even in non-lentic hydrological conditions. Our models predict irreversible macroinvertebrate responses at ≥ 3°C average warming combined with ≥ 50% average flow decrease, or ≥ 5°C warming regardless of flow decrease, or ≥ 90% flow decrease regardless of warming. Beyond these limits, cold-dwelling taxa such as Limnephillidae and Potamanthidae will almost disappear (abundance: –87%), replaced by warm-dwelling Physidae (+ 100%) and Coenagrionidae (+ 97%). Environmental flows could mitigate the impacts of warming, compensating macroinvertebrates for up to 3°C when 50% decreased flows are provided, and for up to 5°C when flows within the 0–25% range are provided.

The effects of various aquatic habitats on the abundance, species richness, diversity and taxonomic distinctness of Odonata were studied. The impact of environmental factors and living conditions in lentic habitats were expressed by the composition of coenoses, on the evaluation we used the Dragonfly Biotic Index. The positive effects of habitat heterogeneity on biodiversity are well known, but it is not clear how the diversity of studied and ecologically important taxa, such as odonates, may vary in different water reservoirs. We investigated how Odonata community metrics (composition, abundance, diversity and environmental compatibility) differ in lentic water: ponds, fishponds, excavation of mineral material and in marshlands, where biodiversity plays an important role. Using an entomological mesh, we took samples in the south-western part of Slovakia in six geo-morphological units at 54 study sites during four years. This study detected distinct odonates assemblage variations among habitats and heterogeneity among gradients. Wide ranges of microhabitats with different environmental properties create appropriate conditions for living span of them. Surprisingly, the highest species richness was recorded in the excavation of mineral materials habitats. Stagnicolous Odonata species correlated (CCA) with the habitats of excavation of mineral material and marshlands; showed links to the littoral vegetation and dense vegetation cover. While the euryecious species have been linked to the ponds and fishponds; and correlated with the water body size. It seems to be degraded habitats are not so much suitable for rare and endangered species, but to preserve the biological value of the environment and for the existence of the high abundance and species richness of odonates.

Detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) has become a commonly used surveillance method for threatened or invasive vertebrates in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. However, most studies in this field favor vertebrate target species. Environmental DNA protocols can be especially useful for endangered invertebrates such as the Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) where conservation efforts have been greatly hindered by training, time, overall costs, and environmental impacts associated with conducting surveys in the calcareous fens occupied by this species. An essential step in developing such a protocol is to evaluate the dynamics of eDNA concentration under controlled conditions. We used the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to examine seasonal shifts in the persistence and net-accumulation of eDNA from captive S. hineana larvae in experimental mesocosms at temperatures corresponding with their overwintering (5.0 °C) and active (16.0 °C) seasons. Environmental DNA persisted longer at 5.0 °C but accumulated more readily at 16.0 °C. Differences in the accumulation and persistence of eDNA reflect differences in the longevity of eDNA at different temperatures and seasonal differences in larval S. hineana behavior. This study highlights the importance of considering how seasonal changes in temperature influence not only the speed of eDNA degradation but also the target species’ eDNA shedding rates.

Habitat selectivity has become an increasingly acknowledged mechanism shaping the structure of freshwater communities; however, most studies have focused on the effect of predators and competitors, neglecting habitat complexity and specialization. In this study, we examined the habitat selection of semiaquatic (amphibians: Bufonidae; odonates: Libellulidae) and aquatic organisms (true bugs: Notonectidae; diving beetles: Dytiscidae). From each family, we selected one habitat generalist species able to coexist with fish (Bufo bufo, Sympetrum sanguineum, Notonecta glauca, Dytiscus marginalis) and one species specialized in fishless habitats (Bufotes viridis, Sympetrum danae, Notonecta obliqua, Acilius sulcatus). In a mesocosm experiment, we quantified habitat selection decisions in response to the non-consumptive presence of fish (Carassius auratus) and vegetation structure mimicking different successional stages of aquatic habitats (no macrophytes; submerged and floating macrophytes; submerged, floating, and littoral-emergent macrophytes). No congruence between habitat specialists and generalists was observed, but a similar response to fish and vegetation structure defined both semiaquatic and aquatic organisms. While semiaquatic generalists did not distinguish between fish and fishless pools, specialists avoided fish-occupied pools and had a preferred vegetation structure. In aquatic taxa, predator presence affected habitat selection only in combination with vegetation structure, and all species preferred fishless pools with floating and submerged macrophytes. Fish presence triggered avoidance only in the generalist bug N. glauca. Our results highlight the significance of habitat selectivity for structuring freshwater ecosystems and illustrate how habitat selection responses to a top predator are dictated by specialization and life history.

Twelve Planaeschna McLachlan, 1895 species recorded in Vietnam are presented and their subgroupings based on nuclear DNA analysis are discussed. Three new species are described (Planaeschna crux sp. nov. [holotype: Pia Oac NP, Cao Bang Prov.], Planaeschna samurai sp. nov. [holotype: Khau Pha, Tu Le, Yen Bai Prov.] and Planaeschna tsuchi sp. nov. [holotype: Xuan Son NP, Phu Tho Prov.]. Planaeschna celia Wilson & Reels, 2001 is recorded from Vietnam for the first time. Planaeschna guentherpetersi Sasamoto, Do & Vu, 2013 is shown to be a subspecies of Planaeschna ishigakiana Asahina, 1951. The female of Planaeschna cucphuongensis Karube, 1999 is described for the first time. Additional records are provided for Planaeschna asahinai Karube, 2011, Planaeschna tamdaoensis Asahina, 1996, Planaeschna tomokunii Asahina, 1996, and Planaeschna viridis Karube, 2004. Lastly, the females of two unidentified Planaeschna spp. are illustrated. Information on the ecology of all species is provided.

Os odonatas são insetos com grande habilidade para voo durante a fase adulta, habitando locais com presença de água como lagos e rios ou mesmo pequenas poças d’água. Durante a fase larval, esses organismos habitam o ambiente aquático, compondo o importante grupo de insetos aquáticos. O conhecimento da composição e riqueza desses insetos é de fundamental importância para entendermos como eles se organizam em comunidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se a sazonalidade exerce influência sobre as assembleias de larvas de Odonata. O trabalho foi realizado nos lagos Piaba e Viveiro do Parque Zoobotânico da Universidade Federal do Acre. As amostras foram realizadas no inverno de 2015 e verão de 2016. As amostras biológicas foram identificadas até o nível de gênero. Neste estudo confirmamos a hipótese de influência da sazonalidade sobre a fauna de odonatas e a importância da vegetação ciliar para preservação de espécies aquáticas em áreas urbanas.

Mount Sigogor Nature Reserve area is a mountainous tropical rain forest, administratively located in Pupus Village, Ngebel District, Ponorogo Regency, East Java, Indonesia. One of the main functions of this nature reserve is as a water catchment area for the villages around the nature reserve area. Water sources and flows within the Mount Sigogor Nature Reserve area have the potential as natural habitat for dragonflies. This study aims to determine the diversity and abundance of dragonflies (Odonata) in the Mount Sigogor Nature Reserve Area. The method of collecting dragonflies data used the Visual Day Flying method by recording the diversity of dragonflies species and counting the number of individuals from each observed dragonflies species. The data obtained were analyzed using the Relative abundance, Shannon-Wiener Heterogeneity Index and the frequency of Presence. The results of the research conducted showed that there were 14 species from 7 families with a total of 464 individuals. The Shannor-Wiener diversity index shows that the diversity value is H'= 1.81. Meanwhile, the presence frequency analysis showed that there were four species with a value of 100% which were classified as abundant Frequency of Presence, namely Euphaea variegata, Vestalis luctuosa, Rhinocypha anisoptera and Coeliccia membranipes.

Parasites are important players in ecological communities that can shape community structure and influence ecosystem energy flow. Yet beyond their effects on hosts, parasites can also function as an important prey resource for predators. Predators that consume infectious stages in the environment can benefit from a nutrient-rich prey item while concurrently reducing transmission to downstream hosts, highlighting the broad importance of this interaction. Less clear, however, are the specific characteristics of parasites and predators that increase the likelihood of consumption. Here, we determine what combination(s) of predator and parasite morphological traits lead to high parasite consumption. We exposed the infectious stages (cercariae) of five trematode (fluke) taxa to aquatic insect predators with varying foraging strategies and morphologies. Across the 19 predator-parasite combinations tested, damselfly predators in the family Coenagrionidae were, on average, the most effective predators of cercariae, consuming between 13 and 55% of administered cercariae. Large-bodied cercariae of Ribeiroia ondatrae had the highest average vulnerability to predation, with 37-48% of cercariae consumed. The interaction between predator head width and cercariae tail size strongly influenced the probability of consumption: small-bodied predators were the most effective consumers, particularly for larger tailed parasites. Thus, the likelihood of parasite consumption depended strongly on the relative size between predator and parasite. Our study helps establish that predation on free-living parasites largely follows a broader predator-prey framework. This will help to identify which predator and parasite combinations will likely have high consumptive interactions, potentially reducing parasite transmission in natural populations.

The order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) comprises diurnal insects with well-developed vision, showing diverse colors in adult wings and bodies. It is one of the most ancestral winged insect groups. Because Odonata species use visual cues to recognize each other, color patterns have been investigated from ecological and evolutionary viewpoints. Here we review the recent progress on molecular mechanisms of pigmentation, especially focused on light-blue coloration. Results from histology and pigment analysis showed that ommochrome pigments on the proximal layer and pteridine pigments on the distal layer of the epidermis are essential for light-blue coloration. We also summarize genes involved in the biosynthesis of three major insect pigments conserved across insects and discuss that gene-functional analysis deserves future studies.

A one-year study was conducted at Vakkom Grama Panchayath, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, to assess the diversity of odonates. We report 49 species, which include 31 species of Anisoptera (dragonflies) and 18 species of Zygoptera (damselflies). Among dragonflies, the family Libellulidae dominated with 26 species, while Coenagrionidae with 10 species was the dominant family among the damselflies. The odonate diversity of Vakkom Grama Panchayath accounted for 28% of the odonates in Kerala and 25% of the odonates of the Western Ghats. Vakkom Grama Panchayath also recorded the presence of Mortonagrion varralli which is an uncommon species in Kerala. This study provides some important baseline information on the odonates of one of the grama panchayaths in Kerala, India. An updated checklist of 57 species of odonates of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala is also provided.

The newly described dragonfly species, Bradinopyga konkanensis Joshi & Sawant 2020 (Insecta: Odonata), is reported from Kerala, 450 km away from its nearest record. Differences between closely similar species that co-occur in the region are tabulated for easy field identification of the species.

The current study aimed to examine the bionomics of dragonflies and heavy metal accumulation in their bodies and environment (sediments and water) from district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 1683 dragonflies were collected from May to September, 2018 in 4 tehsils (administrative subdivisions) of district. Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum was the most abundant species followed by O. anceps and O. chrysostigma luzonicum. Highest abundance was observed in July and August corresponding to maximum temperature and rainfall. Dragonflies displayed preferable abundance within agricultural lands and on elevation ranging from 206 to 506 m. Heavy metal analysis of sediments and water samples from 4 tehsils showed significant differences in mean concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Fe. Abundance among districts was negatively associated with Fe levels in water while the species diversity had a significant positive relationship with Fe in sediments. Accumulation of metals in each body part significantly varied among species. N. tullia tullia and O. anceps specifically demonstrated their tolerance to high concentrations of heavy metals.

We assessed the intraspecific morphological variation in Erythrodiplax media Borror 1942 (Odonata, Libellulidae) among grassland physiognomies ("Coastal," "Highland," and "Steppic") in the South Brazilian Campos. We measured six morphological traits (total body length, thorax height, length, and width of the fore- and hindwings) from 90 specimens (60 males and 45 females). We tested the effect of the grassland type on the set of traits using one-way MANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA) (separately for each sex). Grassland physiognomy affected the morphology of males and females. In both sexes, the PCA mostly opposed the specimens of the Coastal from the Highland and Steppic grasslands. The first PCA axis separated specimens according to body lengths, thorax heights, and wing width, while the second PCA axis opposed specimens according to wing length and thorax height from specimens with broader wings and longer body lengths. Males from the Coastal had longer body lengths and shorter thorax heights than Highland and Steppic grasslands, while males from the Steppic had longer fore- and hindwings than specimens from the Coastal and Highland grasslands. Females from the Coastal had significantly shorter forewings than specimens from the Steppic grasslands and shorter hindwings than Highland grasslands. Our results are likely explained by the differences in climate and habitat complexity among grassland types and indicate that the processes driving odonate performance vary among grassland biotopes. This study potentially indicates that dragonflies are sensitive to changes in the vegetation structure in South American subtropical grasslands.

The granite rock-holes (sometimes called gnammas) across northern Eyre Peninsula (EP), South Australia, are a unique but poorly studied ephemeral freshwater habitat containing a complex invertebrat...

The evolution of sex chromosomes, and patterns of sex-biased gene expression and dosage compensation, are poorly known among early winged insects such as odonates. We assembled and annotated the genome of Ischnura elegans (blue-tailed damselfly), which, like other odonates, has a male-hemigametic sex-determining system (X0 males, XX females). By identifying X-linked genes in I. elegans and their orthologs in other insect genomes, we found homologies between the X chromosome in odonates and chromosomes of other orders, including the X chromosome in Coleoptera. Next, we showed balanced expression of X-linked genes between sexes in adult I. elegans, i.e. evidence of dosage compensation. Finally, among the genes in the sex-determining pathway only fruitless was found to be X-linked, while only doublesex showed sex-biased expression. This study reveals partly conserved sex chromosome synteny and independent evolution of dosage compensation among insect orders separated by several hundred million years of evolutionary history.

Amphithemis vacillans Selys, 1891 is reported for the first time from Meghalaya, Northeastern India. The authors recorded a male individual from the forest of Byrnihat, located in Ri-bhoi distict of the state on November 23, 2017. The current sighing revised the distribution of this species in India being previously known from Assam and West Bengal.

A new species of damselfly of the family Kennedyidae: Kennedya suchonensis sp. nov. is described from the Upper Permian (Severodvinian) deposits of the Isady locality (Vologda Region, Velikoustyugsky District). Despite the continuity of the main features of wing venation, new species has an unusual structure of the stem’s discoidal area. This structure is not typical of known Paleozoic damselflies, which allows us to re-consider the morphogenesis of this structure. The evolutionary relationships between damselflies of Isady and other kennedyids are discussed.

Estudos para o combate ao vetor Aedes aegypti são importantes para reduzir as incidências da Dengue, Zika e Chikungunya, responsáveis por milhares de mortes no Mundo. Este estudo hipotetiza que as ninfas de odonata influenciam no controle de larvas de Aedes aegypti com eficácia diferente entre as famílias, por terem distinta morfologia de aparelho mastigador e comportamento. O objetivo com esta pesquisa foi avaliar a eficiência de sete famílias de odonata como predadoras de Aedes aegypti, em condições laboratoriais. Ninfas foram coletadas com armadilha de rede, no Rio Poxim Açu e individualizadas, em potes plásticos, com 20 cm de diâmetro, contendo água do rio e mantidas em temperatura ambiente. Para verificar a potencialidade de predação de larva de Aedes aegypti, pelas ninfas de Odonata, tendo sido avaliada a taxa de predação de 30 larvas de mosquito, em cada pote por dia, contabilizando-se o número de larvas predadas. A média de predação pelas ninfas foi de 6,08 larvas de mosquito por dia. As famílias Aeshnidae (9,28), Libellulidae (8,37) obtiveram as maiores médias de predação por dia. Todas as famílias de odonata predaram, em pelo menos um dia, o máximo de 25 a 30 larvas, exceto Cordulidae. Portanto, os predadores da família Aeshnidae e Libellulidae foram muito eficazes no controle do Aedes aegypti e representam uma alternativa de baixo custo e de fácil aplicabilidade em cisternas e caixas de água domiciliares, que têm condições semelhantes às encontradas neste experimento. Palavras-chave: Agentes de Controle Biológico. Dengue. Vírus Zika.Vírus Chikungunya. Abstract Studies of Aedes aegypti control are especially important for reducing the incidence of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya cases that are responsible for thousands of human deaths in the world. This study hypothesizes that odonata nymphs influence the Aedes aegypti larvae control with different efficacy among their families, due to their chewing apparatus morphology and to their diverse behavior in nature. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of seven families of odonata nymphs as predators of the Aedes aegypti larvae under laboratory conditions. Odonata nymphs of seven families were collected with a net trap at Poxim Açu River. Each nymph was placed in a 20-cm diameter plastic recipient containing river water at room temperature. In order to verify the odonata nymphs predation on the Aedes aegypti larvae, the predation rate of 30 mosquito larvae was verified on each recipient per day. The odonata nymphs presented an average predation rate of 6.08 mosquito larvae per day. The families Aeshnidae (9,28) and Libellulidae (8,37) obtained the greatest average predation rate per day. All the Odonata families predated from 25 to 30 larvae in at least one day, except Cordulidae. Therefore, the Ashinadae and libelulidae predators were highly effective on the Aedes aegypti control. Thus, they represent a low-cost alternative for Aedes control in cisterns and water tanks at home sites, which have similar conditions to the ones found in this experiment. Keywords: Biological Control Agents. Dengue Virus. Zika Virus. Chikungunya Virus.

For gauging suitability of zygopteran odonates as bioindicators of ecosystems, an attempt was made to record the seasonal diversity of damselflies from seven different types of habitats in Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal covering 14 land use sites. The study revealed existence of 19 species of damselflies belonging to 10 genera under two families. While the riparian zone had maximum number of species (15), paddy field had the lowest number (six). Ceriagrion coromandelianum and Agriocnemis pygmaea were the most common species. C. coromandelianum was eudominant in grassland and wetland-forest interface, whereas A. pygmaea was eudominant in fish pond and paddy field. Six species, viz., Paracercion calamorum, P. malayanum, Pseudagrion australasiae, P. decorum, P. spencei, and P. microcephalum were confined only to the riparian zone. Maximum abundance of damselflies was found in the riparian zone and minimum in the paddy field. Damselflies exhibited a distinct peak in March–April and a lesser peak in September–October. Most of the land use patterns exhibited similar zygopteran faunal composition. Species diversity index was moderate (1.4–2.5) and evenness index was on the higher side (0.76–0.94). Dominance Index ranged from 26.2 to 64.6. Riparian zone appeared to be the least stressed and most equitable habitat with highest diversity and evenness index and lowest dominance index. Paddy field seemed to be the harshest habitat for damselflies with least diversity and highest dominance index. The present study suggests that community analysis of damselflies can be quite useful in the assessment of the quality of any ecosystem.

Agriocnemis keralensis Peters, 1981 is reported for the first time from Maharashtra, India. Previously it was known from Kerala and Goa states. In this paper we report A. keralensis from Thakurwadi and Bambuli wetlands and Chipi Plateau, Sindhudurg District. Also, the new record of Gynacantha khasiaca MacLachlan, 1896 is confirmed on the basis of specimens collected from Sindhudurg District. Hence, we report the range extension of both A. keralensis and G. khasiaca in northern Western Ghats. Apart from this, a combined checklist of Odonata fauna of Thakurwadi (51 species), Bambuli wetlands (44 species), and Chipi Plateau (51 species) is provided.

Heavy metal pollution in aquatic habitats can be detrimental to both prey and predators in a food web. To investigate the potential for bio-transfer and bioaccumulation of heavy metals between specific trophic levels, 3rd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti were exposed to mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) for three consecutive generations and fed to dragonfly (Tramea cophysa) nymphs. Exposure to Hg caused the highest mortality in A. aegypti larvae and T. cophysa nymphs. Bioaccumulation and life-history parameters of A. aegypti, including egg hatching time, larval and pupal duration, male and female life span, and fecundity, were also evaluated after metals exposure. All life-history parameters except larval duration were significantly affected by heavy metal treatments. Bioaccumulation of metals in A. aegypti larvae and adults gradually and significantly increased from 1st to 3rd generation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the acute toxicity of heavy metals to mosquitoes. Our study shows that heavy metals cause dietary toxicity to an aquatic predator, dragonfly, via trophic transfer, which could have considerable consequences on aquatic ecosystems.

Initial Odonata larval distributions are primarily influenced by adult females at the moment of oviposition. However, after oviposition, the larvae are strongly associated with environmental conditions. In the case of both adults and larvae, anthropogenic disturbances that change these conditions may alter the composition and structure of Odonata assemblages. Therefore, based on the differing environmental requirements of Zygoptera and Anisoptera adults and larvae, together with their morphological and physiological differences, we suspected differing riparian preferences of larvae and adults for each suborder. We evaluated the richness and abundance of Odonata larvae. We hypothesized that Zygoptera larvae would have greater richness and abundance in streams with canopy shading, lower temperature ranges, and high physical habitat heterogeneity. On the other hand, Anisoptera larvae would be more abundant in streams without canopy cover. We sampled 186 headwater stream sites in the Neotropical Savanna along an anthropogenic disturbance gradient and used a model selection approach to test our hypotheses, correlating environmental metrics with Odonata larval richness and abundance. We found higher richness of Zygoptera larvae in shaded sites with canopy cover > 5 m high, whereas bare ground without riparian vegetation was important for Anisoptera richness and abundance. Our results indicated that Odonata larvae follow the same distribution, richness and abundance patterns as adults. Anthropogenic disturbances related to the removal or reduction of riparian vegetation can favor Anisoptera over Zygoptera larval assemblages in streams. Preserving riparian canopy cover is needed to maintain the richness of Zygoptera larvae in Neotropical Savanna streams.

BACKGROUND Dragonfly and damselfly larvae have been considered as possible biocontrol agents against young instars of mosquito vectors in urban environments. Yet our knowledge about adult odonate predation against mosquito adults is scarce. We quantified daily and annual predation rates, consumption rates and prey preferences of adult Hetaerina vulnerata male damselflies in an urban park. A focus on predation of mosquito species was provided, quantified their arbovirus (dengue, chikungunya and Zika) infection rates and biting activity. RESULTS Foraging times of H. vulnerata overlapped with those of the maximum activity of hematophagous mosquitoes. The most consumed preys were Diptera and Hymenoptera and, in lower quantities, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Trichoptera, Psocoptera and Neuroptera. Of note, 7% of the diet was represented by hematophagous dipterans, with 2.4% being Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Prey abundance in the diet coincided with that of the same species in the environment. The arboviral infection rate (dengue, chikungunya and Zika) was 1.6% for A. aegypti and A. albopictus. The total biting rate of these mosquito vectors was 16 bites per person per day, while the annual rate of infectious bites was 93.4. CONCLUSION Although 2.4% for both Aedes species seems a low consumption, considering the presence of 12 odonate species at the park, it can be argued that adult odonates may play a relevant role as mosquito vector regulators, therefore impacting the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Our study outlines the need for further research on the topic of the possible role of adult odonates for mosquito biocontrol. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Brazilian fauna of Lestidae contains two genera (Archilestes Selys, 1862 and Lestes Leach in Brewster, 1815) with 14 species, many of which are poorly defined and/or known only by primary literature. To improve the knowledge of the Brazilian species of the genus Lestes we examined 97 specimens pertaining to 11 of the 13 described species. Additionally, a new species is described here in honor to Prof. Dr. Paulo De Marco Júnior: Lestes demarcoi (Holotype and Allotype: Brazil: Amazonas, Manaus, Reserva Adolpho Ducke, Acará trail, 02º55’46” S & 59º58’22” W, 62 m, 13.iv.2009, collected in tandem, U.G. Neiss leg. and deposited in FAAL). Diagnostic illustrations of all species are provided. Color photographs of live individuals of Lestes dichrostigma Calvert, 1909, Lestes forficula Rambur, 1842 and Lestes paulistus Calvert, 1909 are also presented.

The „Golczewskie Uroczysko” nature reserve was established on 5 May 2004 to protect the raised peat bog and the dystrophic Lake Żabie with its surrounding transitional bog and adjacent forest complexes containing valuable plants. In May, July and October 2006 the research of odonates (Odonata) fauna has been conducted in this area. A total of 575 odonates individuals belonging to 29 species (366 imagines, 152 larvae, 57 exuviae) were collected and among these 489 specimens belonging to 28 species were collected in Lake Żabie, 26 specimens belonging to 7 species on the beat boog, 52 specimens belonging to 3 species in flooded alder forest and 8 specimens belonging to 2 species were collected in ditches in the forest. The eurytopic species were dominated with substantial parts of tyrphobiontic and tyrphophilous species.

In this present communication we report the occurrence of additional 13 Odonate species from the Asansol-Durgapur Industrial Area, West Bengal, India, making the total 76. This paper reports the first record of Libellago indica (Fraser, 1928) and first photographic records of Macromia flavicincta Selys, 1874 from West Bengal. It also reports the range extension of Macromia cingulata Rambur, 1842 from the Purulia District to Paschim Bardhaman District.

The behaviour and ecology of an elusive dragonfly, Lyriothemis acigastra (Insecta: Odonata: Libellulidae) based on observations from Kadavoor Village, Ernakulam District, Kerala are detailed. Range extension of the species within Kerala after its first report in 2013 is also discussed.

Recent climate change is altering the timing, duration and volume of river and stream flows globally, and in many regions, perennially flowing rivers and streams are drying and switching to intermittent flows. Profound impacts on aquatic biota are becoming apparent, due in part to the strong influence of flow regime on the evolution of life history. We made predictions of life-history responses for 13 common aquatic invertebrate species (four caddisflies, five mayflies, two stoneflies, a dragonfly and an amphipod), to recent flow regime change in Australian mediterranean climate streams, based on historic studies in the same streams. Size distributions, phenology, voltinism and synchrony were compared, revealing five main responses. More than half of the species were restricted to perennially flowing streams and were absent from those that had switched to intermittent flows (including all four caddisfly species). These formerly common species are at risk of extinction as climate change progresses. Two mayfly species had divergent responses in voltinism and synchrony, and one relied on drought micro-refuges to persist. One stonefly species changed development timing to suit the new flow regime, and the amphipod species retreated to subterranean refuges. Two formerly common species were not detected at all during 2016-2017. In addition, a new mayfly species and a caddisfly species proliferated under new flow regimes, because they had life histories suited to brief hydroperiods. Importantly, previous life history rarely predicted species' actual responses to climate-driven flow regime change, raising doubts about the veracity of predictions based on species traits. This is because a species' potential for flexible phenology or growth rate is not necessarily indicated by life-history traits.